Customer Reviews

Death with an Ocean View: Kate Kennedy, Senior Sleuth

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although there are many reasons for reading a mystery series in the order the books were written (or published) the reader can also derive great enjoyment from reading them out of order, too. Such is the case with this book and this reader. Having stumbled over the second book, Who Killed Swami Schwartz? and liking it very much, I promptly set out to find the first book and see what I'd missed.

Obviously, this first book has the setup for the location as well as the premise, but also introduces several of the on-going characters. The author's wry sense of humor-especially regarding her own foibles, as exemplified by the heroine of the book-brings a delightful touch to the series. In addition, the writing is very engaging, drawing you right in to the every day activities of the folks so well-described that you think you already know them.

This is a delightful cozy novel set in a condo complex primarily inhabited by senior citizens in southern Florida. However, any reader of any age should certainly enjoy following the adventures of Kate Kennedy, a rather recent widow and now sleuth in spite of herself or her friends. I found this first book to be more tightly-plotted than the second book in the series, but that's hardly surprising.

Oh, joy! I've just discovered that book three--Death is a Bargain--is out now! Hooray!

But this book was something of a disappointment -- not bad, but (to me) clearly a first for this author. I can't quite say what was wrong -- it just seemed not very polished.

The "detective" is the recently widowed 60 something Kate Kennedy, who is living in "Palmetto Beach" Florida (near Boca Raton) in an oceanfront condo with a lot of other retired people. She is still grieving and doesn't have much enthusiasm for her new home, which was where her late husband had wanted to live. One of the residents of this beachfront property is found murdered and Kate gets involved in trying to figure out who murdered this woman (the condo president, I might add) and why.

What I liked best were the characters and setting -- I really could imagine everyone and everything she was describing. I think that Kate could have been developed more and that the book was a little too short (overedited?) SOmehow the mystery plot never really engaged my curiosity -- perhaps because we never got to know the murder victims well enough, or perhaps because in the end, it all seemed too far-fetched (I can't say more without revealing too much). I read this book all the way through, but it certainly wasn't the kind of mystery I'd stay up late reading. Still, the author shows real talent and I suspect her books will get better over time.

After signing the papers that made Charlie and Kate Kennedy the proud owner of a beachfront retirement condo at Ocean Vista in Palmetto, Florida, he died before they moved in. CEO David Fry of Sea Breezes, Inc is building a fancy resort complex on the waterfront and he wants to tear down Ocean Vista and build a parking garage. Stella Sajak, the president of the Ocean Vista Condominium Board of Directors promises to fight him.

One night Kate is looking out her balcony and sees fellow resident Stanley Ferris on the beach tripping over the murdered body of Stella. After living with a homicide detective for years Kate knows how to conduct an investigation and her path leads her to reporter Nancy Cooper also a resident of the same condo who is breaking three major stories in the weekly next edition. While on the phone with Nancy, Kate hears a gunshot and unable to reach the police she turns over to the paper only to find a gun to her head. She faints and when she comes to she knows that she is the killer's next target and vows to get him before he murders her.

Anyone who reads DEATH WITH AN OCEAN VIEW will realize life doesn't end at sixty. The characters in Nora Charles excellent debut mystery are active, thrill-seeking and fool of a joi le vivre. The heroine, who never wanted to leave New York, finally realizes that Florida is her home and she can be very happy there once the killer is caught. Her conversations with Charlie give insight into the man he was and readers can understand why Kate loved him so much.

Harriet Klausner

Kate and Charles Kennedy moved to Florida to retire. Unfortunately after closing on their new condo, Charlie dropped dead from a heart attack. Now Kate is trying to adjust to life in sunny south Florida and the residents at Ocean Vista condos.

Board President Stella Sajak and other residents are in an uproar because developers plan to raze the property and put up a glitzy resort. David Fry is behind this, and Kate begins to wonder whether he is corrupt. She and her ex-sister-in-law and best friend, Marlene, try to meet with him to get more information. He is always putting them off. He is often seen with Nancy Cooper, society editor for the Gazette.

After Stella is found dead on the beach by Stanley Ferris, another condo owner, he is the number one suspect. Kate, Marlene and Mary Frances, an ex-nun now living in one of the condos, don't believe he did it. They set out to prove he didn't.

Nancy Cooper was to write Stella's obituary. Why would she agree to write an obit for Stella? What did she find out in researching Stella's life.

When Stella's husband, whom everyone thought was dead, arrives, things quickly change. They soon find out they really didn't know Stella at all. Why did Stella tell lies about herself?

The streetman Timmy goes missing and is later spotted with attorney Wyndam Oberon. But Wyndam denies knowing him. Why?

Concerned the killer may think Kate knows who they are, Detective Nick Carbone tells her to not walk her dog without someone going with her. But, that is not always possible. Kate finds herself in danger while she is investigating Stella's death.

The characters in this new series are terrific. Nora Charles has done a great job creating the characters and setting for this story. I look forward to reading many more in this series! I highly recommend this book.

This is the 1st "cozy mystery" I read. And I quite enjoyed it. With a much older protagonist (like my grandma). It was well written,quirkey, and laugh out loud funny. Nice one liners in this book. I do recommend this book, but read them all in order. This is the 1st in the series. With Kate and Marlene, and the other eccentric characters you can't go wrong with this one. A fast read. Very enjoyable.

Being a senior citizen and homebound due to health reason, I really appreciate the Amazon site. It allows me obtain reading material from home since I am an avid reader. I have read this and every other Kate Kennedy, Senior Sleuth novel and have enjoyed them immensely. I seem to relate to the characters and get a real chuckle from their antics in sleuthing. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a "kinky" mystery.

I like this book. It's fast-paced and the author has a great sense of humor.
The killer's identity is a genuine surprise. Charles has well drawn characters that are diverse. It's the kind of book you like to curl up and read on a cold night, especially with my little dog Sadie next to me.
Charles cares about animals and that's big on my scorecard.
Lisa

As a senior citizen, I was glad to see someone write about active and "not brain dead" senior citizens. How disappointing!! I got about half way through a literally threw it away! Nothing seemed to happen, characters were slow developing and noting seemed to jive, including the front cover. If the dog in the book was a Westie, why a Jack Russell on the cover??? Go figure! I'm not sure I'll try another of the series, in fact I know I won't.

"Whodunit?"

In Death With An Ocean View Nora charles's creativity describes her every day characters with a delicious twist while challenging the reader's mind.
Quick, Fun read.
I can't wait to read the second book in the series, Who Killed Swami Schwartz?.

A reader from Long Island.